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#Blogtober17 – Zoo

The youngest four love a visit to the zoo. We haven’t been to the zoo in over a year though. The last time we visited Bristol Zoo was in May 2016 for a 22q awareness day.

22q is a huge part of our lives and it is only fitting that we take part in awareness days for it! (So few people actually know what it is!)

What is 22q at the zoo?

It is an international awareness day for the chromosome abnormality that Enfys has. It’s called 22q 11.2 Deletion Syndrome. I have written more about Di George Syndrome here.

What does it entail?

22q at the zoo is a day where all families who have been affected by 22q get together and do something fun. They have a fantastic day out. We were lucky, for the 6 of us to go it cost just a fraction of the usual ticket prices. The rest of the cost was subsidised by a great 22q charity, Max Appeal.

How do you get involved?

To be honest anyone can go to the zoo that day. Anyone can help raise awareness of 22q. We’re members of Max Appeal and they helped subsidise the cost. There’s no criteria for going to the zoo wearing a 22q awareness t-shirt… but you may find it a little lonely without a group.

Who else gets involved?

There are families there for whom 22q is a big part of their life. There are parents with children who have it, there are parents who have it. I’ve made friends thanks to the community of 22q parents. Enfys’ diagnosis is no longer the lonely, scary place it first appeared. Almost 2 years on from her diagnosis, I feel part of a vast and welcoming 22q community that covers the entire world.

Together we can raise awareness and together we can celebrate the great mysteries of our 22quties.

Beth Davidson
Beth is a busy Mum to 1 teen, 1 tween, and 3 under 5. Needless to say it's never quiet at home. She loves to read, write, plan, and research her family history, and often finds a way to combine all four.

Goodness, I’m ashamed to say I’ve never heard of 22q or Di George Syndrome, but have a quick read of your post about it. My son has Asperger’s and his diagnosis was pretty shattering but I can’t imagine how much scarier it is when it’s a much rarer disorder. Love that you all meet at the zoo and for such a good cause!